THE TEST

“…now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.” —Genesis 22:12 

God tested Abraham by telling him to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering on Mount Moriah. It was a test of Abraham’s love for God over his love for his son. The test was more for Abraham’s benefit than God’s. Abraham went to do what God told him, but God stopped him short of actually sacrificing Isaac saying, “…now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.” Abraham passed the test!

I could go to my friend, Pastor Blue, and tell him I love him and that if he ever needed me, I’m only a phone call away. That sounds good, but he really doesn’t know whether I mean it or not until I’m put to the test.

One man came to Jesus and boldly proclaimed, “Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest” (Luke 9:57). But, when he was put to the test his resolve began to dissolve.  It’s so easy to come to church and say how much we love God and believe His Word. But we don’t know if we really meant it or not until we are put to the test!

I can say, “God, I’m going to serve You no matter what happens in my life… If I’m healthy or I’m sick… If I’m on the mountain top or in the valley… If my friends stand by me or they forsake me to stand alone…” But this is just talk until these commitments are put to the test!

How committed are you to God? You will find out when you are put to the test.  I pray your commitment will pass the test.